Current concepts: II. Hormonal regulation of molecular events during aging

This review is an attempt to establish a role for both glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones in the aging process as factors which mediate the regulation of transcription and translation of specific genetic domains. Furthermore, through a review of the current knowledge of the effect of long-term hypophysectomy on physiological and biochemical functions which change with age in the rat an attempt has been made to establish a role for a pituitary factor in the regulation of the aging process through an affect on transcription and translation of hormonally induced genetic domains. Although we can propose a possible mechanism of action of this factor, the proposal is premature and requires extensive systematic testing. It will be interesting to carefully consider the possible relationship, if any, of this pituitary factor to the effects of dietary restriction on animal longevity. How this pituitary-aging interaction might be exploited is open to speculation but it is certainly worth further consideration based on evidence currently at hand.